Bio Farma Begins Phase 3 Clinical Trials of COVID-19 Vaccine
Translator
Dewi Elvia Muthiariny
Editor
Mahinda Arkyasa
Kamis, 6 Agustus 2020 15:39 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bio Farma announced that phase 3 clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine will kick off on Thursday, August 6, 2020. The vaccine candidate was developed in cooperation with China-based pharmaceutical firm Sinovac Biotech.
"We ask for prayers that on our 103th anniversary today, we will start the clinical trials for the development of Covid vaccine," Bio Farma CEO Honesti Basyir said in a virtual celebration of the state-owned company’s anniversary in Bandung, Thursday, August 6, 2020.
According to Honesti, almost all countries were racing to create the antibody against the novel coronavirus.
"Because this vaccine will bring us back to a normal life. Of course, we do not want to wear face masks, face shields, and maintain distance forever as it will damage our social interaction. Humans are social creatures," Honesti said.
Honesti called for support from all parties that the clinical trials would run well. He hoped Bio Farma and all state-run pharmaceutical holding members, namely Kimia Farma and Indofarma, could immediately develop the antibody for the sake of a better life in Indonesia.
For the initial stage of phase 3 clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine, Indonesia received 2,400 doses from Sinovac Biotech on July 19, 2020.
ANTARA
